Air-Fried Risotto: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason—they're versatile kitchen appliances that can cook a wide variety of dishes, from crispy homemade chips to creamy risottos. But can you really make a risotto in an air fryer? The answer is yes! While it may take a little longer than using a traditional pot or pan, cooking risotto in an air fryer is a hands-off approach that yields delicious results. In this article, we'll explore the steps to make a perfect air fryer risotto, the different types of risottos you can create, and tips to elevate your dish.

Risotto rice and liquid ratio

Risotto is a technique, not a recipe. Because it's cooked uncovered at varying temperatures, there will never be a strict ratio of rice to liquid to follow. The general rule of thumb is to use about three to four times as much liquid as rice. For example, for one cup of rice, you would need at least three cups of liquid, and for 1.5 cups of rice, you would need at least 4.5 cups of liquid. However, you should add the liquid incrementally, tasting as you go, until the rice reaches your desired consistency. This is because the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on factors such as the type of rice, the level of heat, and the type of pan used.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The air fryer temperature and timing for making risotto depend on the type of risotto being prepared and the specific instructions followed. However, here is a general guide:

Air Fryer Temperature

• Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer temperature between 180°C and 200°C (around 350°F to 400°F).
• For the Ninja Test Kitchen's Creamy Mushroom Risotto, they recommend a higher temperature of 450°F.

Air Fryer Timing

• The total cooking time for risotto in an air fryer can vary from 30 minutes to 50 minutes, depending on the recipe and the specific air fryer model.
• For example, Fast Food Bistro's Air Fryer Risotto recipe suggests a total cooking time of 30 minutes, while Gousto's Two Mushroom Risotto recipe takes 45-50 minutes.
• It's important to note that the cooking time may be divided into multiple steps, as different ingredients are added at different stages.
• Additionally, some recipes recommend stirring the risotto at specific intervals, such as halfway through the cooking time or every 5 minutes.
• When cooking meat, such as chicken thighs, ensure that it is cooked thoroughly with no pink meat remaining.
• After cooking, some recipes suggest leaving the risotto in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Risotto ingredients and preparation

Risotto is a creamy Italian dish made with Arborio rice, which has a high starch content, giving the dish its characteristic creaminess. The rice is cooked with a variety of ingredients, including onions, garlic, mushrooms, cheese, and stock, and is often served as a main course or side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing risotto in an air fryer:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities of each ingredient will depend on the number of servings you wish to make and your personal preferences, but a typical risotto will include:

• Arborio rice
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Butter
• Mushrooms
• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
• Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes with a cake barrel inside.
• Add olive oil to the cake barrel, followed by the diced onion and garlic. Stir with a wooden spoon to coat evenly.
• Close the air fryer and heat for 3 minutes.
• Open the air fryer and stir again. Add the butter and close the basket to allow it to melt.
• While the butter is melting, cut the mushrooms into quarters.
• Add the quartered mushrooms to the cake barrel and coat them with the butter, onion, and garlic mixture.
• Close the air fryer and heat for another 5 minutes.
• Add the Arborio rice to the cake barrel and coat it with the mushroom mixture for about 1 minute.
• Pour in 1/3 of the heated chicken or vegetable stock. If you want to add wine to your risotto, substitute 1/3 of the stock with dry white wine.
• Close the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the remaining 2/3 of the stock.
• Lower the temperature of the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
• If you are using cheese, add it halfway through the cooking process. However, as risotto already has a creamy texture, cheese is not necessary.
• Once the cooking time is complete, leave the air fryer closed for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice and serve.

Tips and Variations

• If you are lactose intolerant, simply leave out the cheese. Your risotto will still be creamy and tasty.
• You can also make risotto in the oven or an Instant Pot.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as chestnut mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
• If you want to add some colour and flavour to your risotto, try adding grated zucchini or diced tomatoes.
• For a summery twist, add some lemon zest to your risotto.
• If you don't have chicken, you can substitute it with a drained tin of tuna.

Risotto balls as a snack

Risotto balls, or arancini, are a great snack option and can be made easily in an air fryer. Arancini are a common street food in Sicily and are usually deep-fried, but the air fryer offers a healthier alternative.

To make risotto balls, you will need cooked risotto or rice, breadcrumbs, flour, and cheese. The cheese is optional but is recommended for a more authentic experience. Mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar are good options. You will also need a binding agent to help the balls keep their shape. Eggs are a common choice, but cornflour or cornstarch can also be used. Finally, you will need a filling for the risotto balls. This can be anything from beef ragu to vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

• Cook your risotto or rice until it is soft and easy to mash. You can use leftover risotto or make it from scratch.
• Prepare your filling by sauteing any vegetables you want to include. You can also use leftover risotto or cooked meat as a filling.
• Mash the cooked rice or risotto and mix it with the filling. Add your binding agent (eggs, cornflour, or cornstarch) and mix well.
• Take a handful of the mixture and form it into a ball with your palm.
• Make a small indentation in the centre of the ball and stuff it with a piece of cheese. Close the ball tightly to ensure the cheese is completely covered.
• Prepare a dredging station with a bowl of beaten eggs and another bowl of breadcrumbs.
• Dip the risotto ball into the egg mixture and then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat the surface evenly.
• Place the coated balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with oil.
• Air fry at 360-400°F for about 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The risotto balls are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Your risotto balls are now ready to be served! They can be enjoyed as a snack or an appetizer, paired with a dipping sauce such as marinara or aioli.

Storing and reheating risotto

Storing Risotto

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. The exact duration depends on the ingredients used. If your risotto contains meat, for example, it's recommended to keep it for no more than three days. To store risotto, simply place it in an airtight, food-safe container and put it in the fridge. This will prevent the risotto from drying out and absorbing other flavours from your fridge.

Freezing Risotto

While it is possible to freeze risotto, it's generally not recommended. Cooked rice can become hard when frozen, and the texture of the risotto may change, becoming grainy. However, if you still want to freeze your risotto, it can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Risotto

There are several ways to reheat risotto, including using a stovetop, microwave, or oven. Here are the steps for each method:

Stovetop:

• Add 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water) for every 1 cup of risotto to a pot.
• Bring the liquid to a boil.
• Add the risotto and stir it for a few minutes until it's heated through.
• If the risotto is still thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.

Microwave:

• Place the risotto in a microwave-safe dish and stir in 1/4 cup of liquid (broth or water) for every 1 cup of risotto.
• Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the risotto to absorb the liquid.
• Microwave on medium power for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
• Place the risotto in a buttered dish and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of chicken or vegetable stock over it.
• Bake for 10 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the risotto is warmed throughout.

Frequently asked questions